Acetyl L Carnitine - Benefits, Side Effects, Weight Loss

Studies have shown that l carnitine / acetyl L Carnitine can reduce the effects of aging, increasing heart and kidney function, memory, and metabolism and weight loss, reducing depression, which can give a longer, healthier life.

As we age, our metabolism slows. We still get nutrients from food, but less efficiently. The mitochondria, or energy cells, begin to deteriorate and cease to function the way they did when we were young. The good news is that recent clinical studies have shown that l carnitine can help strengthen the mitochondria, allowing them to function more efficiently even as we age.

Recently, there has been promising evidence that l carnitine can be used as an anti-aging supplement, particularly when used in conjunction with alpha lipoic acid. Alpha lipoic acid works as both an antioxidant, destroying free radicals that could damage the mitochondria, and as a carrier for fatty acids to the mitochondria. Acetyl l carnitine helps the mitochondria produce energy efficiently.

This combination has been shown to have promising results in the treatment of many diseases associated with aging, including Alzheimer's, heart problems, and kidney disease. There have also been links to carnitine deficiencies and diabetes.

Precautions while using Acetyl L Carnitine

Most healthy people can synthesize sufficient amounts of carnitine from food. However, some groups are more at risk for carnitine deficiencies than others. These include:

• The elderly

• Vegetarians

• Women who are pregnant or nursing, especially vegetarians

• Children

There are two types of carnitine deficiencies. One of these is called primary carnitine deficiency, which is hereditary and includes myopathic deficiency and systemic deficiency. The other is called secondary carnitine deficiency, and this can be acquired or hereditary.

Symptoms of Carnitine Deficiences

Symptoms of carnitine deficiencies include heart irregularities, muscle cramping, weakness, and fatigue, and kidney problems. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, it may be caused by carnitine deficiency, and may be treated with l carnitine supplements.

Because the body only absorbs about 20% of the carnitine in supplements, a good supplement should be about 500 to 2,000 mg per day. Oral and intravenous l carnitine supplements are available only by prescription. Acetyl l carnitine supplements also come in doses from 500 to 2,000 mg per day and are available over the counter.

If you suspect you are carnitine deficient, consult your doctor with your symptoms before starting a supplement. If you are in an at-risk group and believe supplemental carnitine can help, start with a lower dose of 500 mg, especially with alpha lipoic acid.

Acetyl l carnitine supplements have a low toxicity, meaning they are relatively safe. Usual side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches. People taking over 3,000 mg per day sometimes complain of a "fishy" body odor.